Palacio de Nava y Grimon - La Laguna

The Palacio de Nava offers two facades: the main facade and one lateral to Deán Palahi Street, to the south.

The first building stands on an old site that belonged to Jorge Grimón, the conqueror of Tenerife, from 1500 onwards. Construction of the building began in 1585 ; and it will undergo changes in the mid-17th century. In 1776, Tomás Nava y Grimón y Porlier completely renovated it, covering it completely with stone and giving it the appearance it has today. The House or Palace of Nava is a proven example of civilized architecture in the islands, although its facade does not conform to the dictates of a specific style, being the product of successive additions.

The building has a rectangular floor plan, two interior patios and a backyard .

The main facade, completely covered with masonry and fitted with filler strips in both corners, is two stories high. The parapet is surmounted by a balustrade with a central crown concealing the traditional Arabic tiled roof .

On the ground floor, the entrance door, the lintel and the stone-carved Grimón shield on the frieze are flanked by paired Corinthian columns on a plinth with diamond-shaped decoration. On the first floor the balconies stand out , made of ironwork, with the stone base resting on S-shaped poles; The exterior of the windows is decorated with molded Tuscan pilasters and a triangular pediment.

In the rear bay of the patio, two semi-circular arches communicate with the second patio and with the upper floor. A marble staircase with balustrade , consisting of three sections with two landings, leads to the upper floor. The volume and heaviness of the construction force the upper platform to be lowered with a Tuscan column. Above this staircase we find an octagonal coffered ceiling , with the family coat of arms in the almizate , abundant carving on the skirts and polychrome. It combines Mudejar skill in carving with Portuguese influences (chromaticism), considered by some authors as the best exponent of Portuguese roofing in the Canary Islands.

2024: The state of deterioration of elements such as the main patio, with structural damage, the abandoned gardens, deteriorated and collapsed upper floor ceilings, corrosion on the balconies, the upper floor floor in poor condition and the general poor condition of the facade of the palace has led to its inclusion in the Red List of Heritage at Risk from the association for the defense of heritage Hispania Nostra.

Willem Vandenameele